Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Greetings to all!
As part of my daily practice I have been reading a 15th century spiritual
classic, The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas À Kempis. I often find Thomas'
words of advice to his monastic brothers to have broader application. Today's
portion concerned the challenge of bearing with the faults of others in the
community.
Until God ordains otherwise, a person ought to bear patiently whatever he
cannot correct in himself and others. Consider it better thus - perhaps to
try your patience and to test you, for without such patience and trial your
merits are of little account. Nevertheless, under such difficulties you should
pray that God will consent to help you bear them calmly.
If all were perfect, what should we have to suffer from others for God's sake?
But God has so ordained, that we may learn to bear with one another's
burdens, for there is no one without fault, no one without burden, no one
sufficient to himself or wise enough. Hence we must support one another,
console one another, mutually help, counsel, and advise, for the measure of
every person's virtue is best revealed in time of adversity - adversity that
does not weaken a person but rather shows what he is.
In Memory:
*Mary Germond, a Friend of Walnut Hill Church, departed this life on
September 10. See
Mary Germond for the obituary and service details.
*David Morton, a Member of Walnut Hill Church, departed this life on
September 13. Arrangements are pending at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home.
Please keep the Germond and Morton families in your prayers.
The lectionary texts for Sunday, September 18…
Jeremiah 8:18 - 9:1
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Luke 16:1-13
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, September 18, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. Sunday Conversations include a wide variety of topics from
week to week. Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just
listen in.
CHILDREN'S FOCUS - This Sun, Sep 18, during the 11am hour, the children
will hear the "Parable of the Lost Son" (LK 15:11-32) highlighting the theme of
the lost being found. This parable might better be titled "The Father's Love."
The exclusiveness of the religious leaders is contrasted to the joy of God at the
repentance of sinners. The theme is repeated in the children's song, "Jesus
Loves Me This I Know."
FALL POTLUCK - THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, NOON, TRINITY HALL -
Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert and join us for this delicious Walnut Hill
tradition. Meat and beverage will be provided.
The Lexington CROP Walk is coming on Sun, Sep 25, 3pm, at Second
Presbyterian Church. All ages are invited to join us as walk (3 miles)
through downtown to raise dollars and awareness to alleviate hunger locally
and globally.
Exploring Our Spirituality Through Prayer is the title of a day retreat to be
held at Walnut Hill on Sat, Oct 15 , 9am - 3pm. Sharon Grant and George
Aboud will be our guides for this day of learning and practice. Registration is
$20/person, which includes lunch. Use reply email or call the church office
(263-5304) to register or request more information.
ACE D.C. Trip - Once again Walnut Hill has been asked to help sponsor
students to participate in the Athens Chilesburg Elementary School 5th
Grade Class Trip to Washington, DC. Twenty-eight children will be needing
sponsorship to participate. Walnut Hill has committed to sponsor five
children ($559/child). If you would like to contribute (any amount) toward this
cause, make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church designated "ACE".
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
